Which Event Immediately Followed The Storming Of The Bastille

The storming of the Bastille, a pivotal moment in the French Revolution, ignited a chain of events that rapidly transformed French society. While the symbolic fall of this prison fortress on July 14, 1789, represented a victory against royal authority, the immediate aftermath was characterized by a complex interplay of euphoria, fear, and uncertainty. Understanding what followed directly after this iconic event is crucial to grasp the revolution's escalating trajectory.

The Immediate Aftermath: Chaos and Celebration

The hours and days immediately following the storming of the Bastille were a whirlwind of activity. Paris was in a state of heightened excitement, but also deep unease.

• Celebration and Jubilation: The streets of Paris erupted in celebration. The revolutionaries, now armed and emboldened, paraded through the city, carrying the captured weapons and the heads of the Bastille's governor, Marquis de Launay, and Jacques de Flesselles, the provost of the merchants. The victory was seen as a triumph over tyranny, and the people rejoiced in their newfound power.
• Looting and Destruction: The Bastille itself was ransacked. While some sought to preserve it as a symbol of liberation, others were driven by anger and a desire for retribution. The prison was stripped of its valuables, and much of it was destroyed in the frenzy.
• Formation of the National Guard: In the wake of the storming, there was a pressing need to maintain order and protect the city from potential royalist backlash. The citizens of Paris quickly organized a militia known as the National Guard. This force, initially composed of volunteers and led by the Marquis de Lafayette, was tasked with maintaining peace, defending the city, and ensuring the revolution's gains were not reversed.

Political Repercussions and the King's Response

The storming of the Bastille sent shockwaves through the French monarchy and the political establishment. King Louis XVI, initially caught off guard, struggled to grasp the gravity of the situation.

• The King's Hesitation: Louis XVI, known for his indecisiveness, was slow to react. Upon hearing of the Bastille's fall, he reportedly asked, "Is this a revolt?" to which he was told, "No, Sire, it is a revolution." He initially downplayed the event, but the scale of the uprising soon became undeniable.
• Withdrawal of Troops: Faced with the widespread rebellion and the threat of further violence, Louis XVI made a crucial concession. He ordered the withdrawal of the royal troops that had been massing around Paris. This decision, made under pressure from his advisors and fearing a full-scale civil war, was a significant victory for the revolutionaries and a sign that the monarchy's authority was crumbling.
• Necker's Recall: Jacques Necker, the popular finance minister who had been dismissed by the king shortly before the Bastille assault, was recalled to office. Necker's reinstatement was seen as a victory for the people and a symbol of the king's willingness to compromise with the revolutionary forces.
• King's Visit to Paris: In a desperate attempt to regain control and appease the public, Louis XVI made a symbolic visit to Paris on July 17. He was received by a large crowd, many of whom were still armed. He wore the tricolor cockade – a combination of the colors of Paris (red and blue) and the royal color of white – a gesture of reconciliation that was both celebrated and criticized.

The Great Fear and the Spread of Revolution

While Paris was the epicenter of the initial upheaval, the events of July 14 had a ripple effect throughout France.

• The "Grande Peur" (Great Fear): The weeks following the storming of the Bastille were marked by a period of widespread panic and unrest in the countryside known as the "Grande Peur." Rumors spread like wildfire that aristocratic forces were marching to suppress the peasantry and reclaim their feudal rights.
• Peasant Uprisings: Fueled by fear and resentment, peasants across France rose up against their lords. They attacked manor houses, destroyed feudal records, and asserted their rights to land and resources. These uprisings were often violent and marked a radical escalation of the revolution beyond the confines of Paris.
• Formation of Provincial Guards: Similar to the National Guard in Paris, local militias were formed in towns and villages throughout France. These provincial guards were intended to maintain order, protect against bandits, and defend the revolution's gains.

The National Assembly Takes Charge

While chaos reigned in the streets and countryside, the National Assembly, formed from the Third Estate in June, seized the opportunity to assert its authority.

• Abolition of Feudalism: In response to the widespread peasant uprisings and recognizing the need to address the grievances of the rural population, the National Assembly took a momentous step. On the night of August 4, 1789, in a wave of patriotic fervor, nobles and clergy members renounced their feudal rights and privileges. This dramatic act, known as the abolition of feudalism, was a turning point in the revolution, dismantling the centuries-old system of social and economic inequality.
• Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen: Building on the momentum of the abolition of feudalism, the National Assembly drafted and adopted the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen on August 26, 1789. This document, inspired by Enlightenment ideals and the American Declaration of Independence, proclaimed fundamental rights and liberties for all citizens, including equality before the law, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to property. It became a cornerstone of the revolution and a powerful symbol of the new social and political order.

The Women's March on Versailles

The initial euphoria following the storming of the Bastille and the subsequent reforms did not resolve the deep-seated economic problems plaguing France. Food shortages, particularly of bread, remained a major source of discontent. This simmering resentment reached a boiling point in October 1789.

• The March: On October 5, a large group of Parisian women, driven by hunger and desperation, marched to Versailles, the royal palace located about 12 miles outside of Paris. They demanded that the king take action to address the food crisis and that he and his family relocate to Paris, where they could be held accountable to the people.
• Confrontation and Resolution: The women's march was a powerful display of popular discontent. They were eventually joined by members of the National Guard and other revolutionaries. The king, intimidated by the size and determination of the crowd, agreed to their demands. He promised to ensure the supply of bread to Paris and consented to move with his family to the Tuileries Palace in Paris.
• Significance: The Women's March on Versailles marked a significant shift in the balance of power. It demonstrated the power of popular mobilization and effectively ended the king's independence. The royal family's relocation to Paris placed them under the constant scrutiny of the people and further eroded the monarchy's authority.

The Flight to Varennes and its Consequences

Although initially accepting of a constitutional monarchy, Louis XVI remained fundamentally opposed to the revolution's radical changes. He secretly plotted to regain his former powers and sought foreign assistance.

• The Escape: In June 1791, Louis XVI and his family attempted to flee Paris in disguise. They hoped to reach the royalist stronghold of Montmédy, near the border with Austria, where they could rally support and potentially launch a counter-revolution.
• Capture at Varennes: However, their escape was foiled. They were recognized and apprehended in the town of Varennes, about 30 miles short of their destination. The royal family was brought back to Paris under guard.
• Impact: The Flight to Varennes had a profound impact on the revolution. It shattered the remaining trust in the king and fueled calls for his abdication or even execution. It emboldened radical factions within the revolution and paved the way for the establishment of a republic.

The Rise of Radical Factions

The events following the storming of the Bastille created a fertile ground for the growth of radical political factions.

• The Jacobins: The Jacobins were a highly influential political club that advocated for a republic, universal suffrage, and a more egalitarian society. Key figures included Maximillian Robespierre and Louis Antoine de Saint-Just.
• The Girondins: The Girondins were a more moderate faction that favored a constitutional monarchy and opposed the radical measures advocated by the Jacobins.
• The Cordeliers: The Cordeliers were a populist club that championed the rights of the working class and advocated for direct democracy. Prominent members included Jean-Paul Marat and Georges Danton.
• Power Struggle: These factions engaged in intense political maneuvering and power struggles, vying for control of the National Assembly and influence over the direction of the revolution.

The Declaration of Pillnitz and Growing International Tensions

The French Revolution was not an isolated event. It had a significant impact on the rest of Europe, particularly among monarchs who feared the spread of revolutionary ideas.

• European Concerns: The rulers of Austria, Prussia, and other European powers were deeply concerned about the revolution in France. They feared that it could inspire similar uprisings in their own countries.
• The Declaration: In August 1791, the rulers of Austria and Prussia issued the Declaration of Pillnitz, in which they expressed their concern for the safety of Louis XVI and hinted at possible military intervention in France to restore his authority.
• Escalating Tensions: The Declaration of Pillnitz was seen by many in France as a threat to the revolution's sovereignty. It fueled anti-royalist sentiment and increased calls for war against Austria and Prussia.

The September Massacres

As tensions escalated and France faced internal and external threats, the revolution entered a period of intense violence and paranoia.

• Fear of Counter-Revolution: In the late summer of 1792, rumors spread that political prisoners in Paris were plotting to escape and join forces with invading Prussian and Austrian armies to overthrow the revolution.
• The Massacres: In response to this perceived threat, mobs of revolutionaries stormed the prisons of Paris and summarily executed thousands of prisoners, including aristocrats, priests, and common criminals.
• Brutality: The September Massacres were a horrific episode in the revolution, demonstrating the depths of popular anger and the breakdown of law and order.

The Establishment of the Republic

The events following the storming of the Bastille ultimately led to the demise of the monarchy and the establishment of the French Republic.

• Abolition of the Monarchy: In September 1792, the National Convention, which had replaced the National Assembly, voted to abolish the monarchy and declare France a republic.
• Execution of Louis XVI: In January 1793, Louis XVI was put on trial for treason and found guilty. He was executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793.
• Radicalization: The establishment of the republic and the execution of the king marked a radical turning point in the revolution. It ushered in a period of intense political upheaval, violence, and the Reign of Terror.

Conclusion

The storming of the Bastille was not merely a single event but a catalyst that unleashed a cascade of transformations in France. The immediate aftermath was characterized by both celebration and chaos, as Parisians reveled in their victory while grappling with the uncertainty of the future. The political repercussions were swift, leading to the king's concessions and the rise of the National Assembly. The "Great Fear" spread revolutionary fervor throughout the countryside, resulting in peasant uprisings and the abolition of feudalism. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen enshrined fundamental liberties, while the Women's March on Versailles further diminished royal authority.

However, the revolution's trajectory was far from smooth. The Flight to Varennes shattered trust in the king, radical factions emerged, and international tensions escalated. The September Massacres revealed the revolution's descent into violence, culminating in the abolition of the monarchy and the execution of Louis XVI.

In conclusion, the events that immediately followed the storming of the Bastille were pivotal in shaping the course of the French Revolution. They set in motion a series of political, social, and economic transformations that ultimately led to the establishment of the French Republic, albeit through a period of turmoil and bloodshed. The legacy of this period continues to resonate today, reminding us of the complexities of revolution and the enduring quest for liberty, equality, and fraternity.